was out riding my 1999 1500 drifter for about 4 hrs when I hit a bump and it died, pulled over and it cranked over as it should, lites all normal but no spark. got it back to my garage, charged the battery up and it started right up. read some posts somewhere that said it was possible bad battery, so replaced battery. turns over perfectly but no spark. pulled a wire and put external sparkplug in and no spark. this bike has allways started without the choke and ran perfectly. Please help!
Balthazar,
I had this same problem with my own '99 1500 shortly after I first got it. I chased a whole bunch of ghosts for about 3 years. It mainly manifested when I would try to start it, and I looked at everything having to do with the ECU power and the DFI. The problem ultimately turned out to be the first thing I looked at. There is a solenoid that closes the circuit for all the stuff that makes the engine actually run. I tested it and found that I had continuity, and dismissed it. The first time I and a brother from the club were on our way to Pigeon Forge and it actually quit while we were cruising down the interstate, I really got concerned.
I eventually decided to go ahead and buy the solenoid (I think it was about $50). After replacing it, I have not had that problem again.
Check to see if all the instrument lights, the oil pressure test, the low fuel light, the temp. warning light come on for the initial self-test and you can here the fuel pump come up to pressure when you first turn on the ignition. If all that doesn't happen, get the new solenoid.
When I tested it initially, I didn't cycle it enough. The problem was kind of random because, while the coil in the solenoid would pull in, it would not always actually make contact. Frustrated the heck out of me for a long time. Hope that helps.
Isch,
SoGMC
Thank you for your reply but the lights all come on, can hear the fuel pump, all that is missing is the spark, cranks over till the battery is dead. Think I should try the solenoid anyway? I have another bike but I really miss riding this one. where is this solenoid located? Picture would help if you have one
With that info, when is the last time you changed the spark plugs? I have also found that the plugs need to be changed or cleaned on a regular basis, especially when moisture is present. For some reason, maybe low system voltage, the spark plugs need to be really clean. I keep a spare set in my saddle bags for this reason. Have you checked the coils? I know how frustrating this is, I've been down that road. Being a plumber, by trade, I often get frustrated by electrical problems.
The solenoid is mounted near the fuse block. Pull the right side cover, and look, I believe, on the top left side of the fuse block. The solenoid, "relay", according to the manual, is mounted with a rubber shroud, slipped on to a little metal tab. Don't have any pics, and have trouble figuring out how to upload them. I will try this weekend, to get a pic and post it. Just out of curiosity, how many miles on your scooter?